Adjustable dumbbell system

ABSTRACT

An adjustable dumbbell includes weight plates that are selectively connectable to a handle. Unselected weight plates are secured to a cradle. To secure the unselected weight plates to the cradle, a latch in the cradle is inserted into an engagement surface notch in the weight plate. The unselected weight plates are individually actuated based on which weight plates are selected and connected to the handle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 63/134,036, filed on Jan. 5, 2021, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Background and Relevant Art

Muscle training may involve a user moving weights, often calleddumbbells, in specific motions to tone body muscles. Different musclegroups may be exercised with different amounts of weight. Indeed, thesame muscle group may be exercised with different amounts of weights.Fixed dumbbells have a fixed weight. A collection of fixed dumbbells maybe expensive, and may require a large amount of storage space.Adjustable dumbbells allow a user to add or remove weight plates from ahandle to customize the weight of the dumbbell. This may save the usermoney, by requiring a smaller amount of weights to be purchased, and maysave the user space by requiring a smaller storage space.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a system for securing an adjustable dumbbellincludes a handle. A plate adjustment mechanism is configured toselectively connect a selected weight plate of a plurality of weightplates to the handle. Each weight plate includes a notch. A cradle isconfigured to receive the plurality of weight plates, the cradleincludes a latch. A retention mechanism is configured to selectivelyengage the latch with the notch of an unselected weight plate. Thehandle adjustment mechanism is mechanically connected to the cradleadjustment mechanism

In other embodiments, a system for securing an adjustable dumbbellincludes a handle. A plurality of weight plates are removably connectedto the handle. Each weight plate includes a notch. A cradle includes aplurality of weight plate receptacles. Each weight plate receptacle isconfigured to receive each weight plate of the plurality of weightplates. A plurality of latches are configured to be selectively insertedinto the notch. The plurality of latches are individually actuated.

In yet other embodiments, a method for securing an adjustable dumbbellincludes placing a dumbbell handle in a cradle. The dumbbell handle isselectively connected to a selected weight plate of a plurality ofweight plates. An unselected weight plate is secured to the cradle basedon the selected weight plate.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that arefurther described below in the detailed description. This summary is notintended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope ofthe claimed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure willbe set forth in the description which follows, and in part will beobvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of suchembodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments may berealized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and otherfeatures will become more fully apparent from the following descriptionand appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of suchembodiments as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and otherfeatures of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particulardescription will be rendered by reference to specific implementationsthereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For betterunderstanding, the like elements have been designated by like referencenumbers throughout the various accompanying figures. While some of thedrawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, atleast some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that thedrawings depict some example implementations, the implementations willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1-1 through 1-5 are side views of an adjustable dumbbell system,according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top down view of an adjustable dumbbell system, according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a representation of a cradle, according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a representation of a weight plate, according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5-1 is a representation of an adjustable dumbbell system, accordingto at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5-2 is a perspective view of a retention mechanism, according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a representation of a plateadjustment mechanism, according to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a representation of a retentionmechanism, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of representation of another retentionmechanism, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a representation of yet anotherretention mechanism, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a representation of a method for securing a dumbbell,according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11-1 through FIG. 11-4 are representations of an adjustabledumbbell assembly, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12 is a representation of an adjustable dumbbell system, accordingto at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 13 is a representation of a method for using an adjustable dumbbellsystem, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Adjustable dumbbells allow a user to exercise using a selected weightwithin a weight range, while reducing the need for individual dumbbellsof a series of weights within the same weight range. Adjustabledumbbells include a handle or other support bar which may then have oneor more weight plates selectively connected to the support bar. Toincrease the weight of the adjustable dumbbell, the user simply connectsor attaches additional weight plates to the handle until the desiredweight is reached. In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may be ahand weight. An example of an adjustable dumbbell is shown in U.S. Pat.No. 9,795,822, the entirety of which is herein incorporated byreference. For example, the handle may be sized such that a spacingbetween two sets of weight plates is wide enough for a single hand. Insome embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may be a long bar, such as abar used for squats, bench press, and so forth. The long bar may have awidth between sets of weight plates sufficient for widely spaced hands(e.g., greater than shoulder length apart). In some embodiments, theadjustable dumbbell may be a weight for a weight machine. In someembodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may have a single set of weightplates, such as for a kettle ball.

In some embodiments, an adjustable dumbbell may include a plateadjustment mechanism that connects selected weight plates to theadjustable dumbbell until the desired weight is reached. Regardless ofhow the selected weight plates are connected to the handle, a user maynot always have all the weight plates simultaneously connected to thehandle. Therefore, when the user removes the handle from the cradle, oneor more unselected weight plates may remain behind in the cradle. Theseunselected weight plates may become dislodged from the cradle. In atleast one embodiment, an unselected weight plate that is dislodged fromthe cradle may become a safety hazard, and may be dropped on a user,left on the floor to be tripped over, or present another safety hazard.Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the unselected weight platethat is dislodged from the cradle may become misplaced. For example, theunselected weight plate may be stolen, lost, put away in the wrongplate, or otherwise misplaced.

To prevent the unselected weight plates from becoming dislodged from thecradle, the cradle may include a retention mechanism. The retentionmechanism may secure the unselected weight plates to the cradle whileallowing the selected weight plates to be removed from the cradle whileattached to the handle. In this manner, the unselected weight plates maynot become dislodged, and therefore may not be a safety hazard ormisplaced. Securing the unselected weight plates to the cradle mayfurther improve the exercise experience for the user by removing theneed for the user to consciously keep track of the unselected weightplates.

FIG. 1-1 is a side-view representation of an adjustable dumbbell system100, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Theadjustable dumbbell system 100 includes a handle 102 and a plurality ofweight plates 104. The weight plates 104 may be selectively secured tothe handle 102. The weight plates 104 and the handle 102 are placed in acradle 106. The weight plates 104 include a notch 108. A latch 110inserted into the notch 108 may selectively secure the weight plates 104to the cradle 106. In this manner, when the handle 102 is removed, theweight plates that are secured to the cradle 106 may remain in thecradle 106, and the weight plates connected to the handle 102 may becomeremoved from the handle 102 with the cradle.

FIG. 1-2 is a representation of the adjustable dumbbell system 100 ofFIG. 1-1 with the handle 102 removed from the cradle 106. In theposition shown, a plurality of selected weight plates 104-1 are attachedor connected to the handle 102. Thus, when the handle 102 is removedfrom the cradle 106, the selected weight plates 104-1 are removed fromthe cradle 106 with the handle 102. Thus, by selecting the selectedweight plates 104-1, the user may customize the amount of weightattached to the handle 102.

The unselected weight plates 104-2 remain in the cradle 106 when thehandle 102 and the selected weight plates 104-1 are removed from thecradle 106. The unselected weight plates 104-2 are secured to the cradle106 with a latch 110 inserted into a notch 108. By securing theunselected weight plates 104-2 to the cradle 106, the unselected weightplates 104-2 may not become dislodged from the cradle, and may thereforehave a reduced chance of becoming misplaced or a safety hazard.

As may be seen, only the unselected weight plates 104-2 are secured tothe cradle 106. Furthermore, the unselected weight plates 104-2 aresecured to the cradle 106 before the handle 102 is removed with theselected weight plates 104-1. Thus, the unselected weight plates 104-2are individually and selectively secured to the cradle 106, and theunselected weight plates 104-2 are individually and selectively notsecured to the cradle 106.

FIG. 1-3 and FIG. 1-4 are further side-views of the adjustable dumbbellsystem 100 of FIG. 1-1. In the embodiment shown, the outer-most weightplate 104-2 is an unselected weight plate 104-2, and the handle 102 isplaced in the cradle 106. The latch 110 is inserted into the notch 108of the unselected weight plate 104-2. In FIG. 1-4, the handle 102 andthe connected selected weight plates 104-1 have been removed from thecradle 106. The unselected weight plates 104-2 remain secured to thecradle 106.

FIG. 1-5 is a top-down view of the of the adjustable dumbbell system 100of FIG. 1-1. In the embodiment shown, the cradle 106 includes aplurality of latches 110. Indeed, the cradle 106 includes a latch 110for each weight plate (collectively 104). In the embodiment shown, eachweight plate 104 includes a latch 110 on either side of the weight plate104. Including a latch 110 on either side of the weight plate 104 mayprovide a stronger connection between the weight plate 104 and thecradle 106.

The cradle 106 includes a weight selection input 112. To operate theadjustable dumbbell system 100, the user simply inputs the desiredweight into the weight selection input, and a plate adjustment mechanism(not shown) connects the selected weight plates 104-1 to the handle 102and a retention mechanism secures the unselected weight plate 104-2 tothe cradle 106.

The weight selection input 112 may be any type of input. In someembodiments, the weight selection input 112 may be a manual input. Forexample, the weight selection input 112 may include one or more buttons.The buttons may be representative of one or more total weights of thedumbbell when the weight plates 104 are connected to the handle 102. Forexample, a weight selection button may be 20 pounds, and the adjustabledumbbell system 100 may connect the appropriate number of weight plates104 to the handle 102 to generate a total dumbbell weight of 20 pounds.In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell system 100 may connect anequal number of weights to either side of the handle 102, to ensure thatthe dumbbell is balanced. In some embodiments, the weight selectioninput 112 may include a plurality of weight selection buttons, which maycorrespond to each available combination of weight plates 104. In thismanner, the user may simply select the desired weight, and theadjustable dumbbell system 100 may automatically connect the appropriatecombination of weight plates 104 to reach the selected weight.

In some embodiments, the weight selection input 112 may allow the userto select the combination of specific weight plates 104. For example,the weight selection input 112 may include a plurality of buttons eachassociated with a single weight plate 104. When a button is depressed,the associated weight plates 104 may be connected to the handle 102.This may provide the user with control over the selection andcombination of individual weight plates 104 connected to the handle 102.

In some embodiments, the weight selection input 112 may include one ormore physical buttons that depress into the cradle or otherwisephysically move when depressed. In some embodiments, the weightselection input 112 may include one or more touch-sensitive buttons. Forexample, the weight selection input 112 may include a touch-screen. Insome embodiments, the touch-screen may include other exerciseinformation, such as the current selected weight, the number of setsperformed at the selected weight, calories burned, the current exercise,and so forth.

In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell system 100 may include acommunication device. The communication device may be in communicationwith an external computing device. The external computing device maycommunicate exercise information to the adjustable dumbbell system 100.For example, the external computing device may communicate a set weightto the adjustable dumbbell system 100. The adjustable dumbbell system100 may then connect the appropriate weight plates 104 to the handle 102to reach the set weight. In some embodiments, the external computingdevice may communicate which weight plates 104 to connect to the handle102 to reach the set weight.

In some embodiments, the external computing device may include anexercise program. The exercise program may include one or moreexercises, such as curls, presses, and so forth, to be performed usingthe adjustable dumbbell system 100. The exercises may include anassociated exercise weight. When it is time to perform a specificexercise, the external computing device may provide the adjustabledumbbell system 100 with the exercise weight. The adjustable dumbbellsystem 100 may then attach the appropriate weight plates 104 to thehandle 102 so that the dumbbell is set to the exercise weight.

In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell system 100 may include oneor more sensors to determine when the handle 102 is connected to thecradle 106. The communication device may communicate the presence of thehandle 102 in the cradle 106 to the external computing device. In someembodiments, the external computing device may track whether the handle102 is connected to the cradle 106.

In some embodiments, the external computing device may change theexercise weight based on input from the user. For example, the user mayset the exercise weight on the external computing device and theexternal computing device may then communicate that exercise weight tothe adjustable dumbbell system 100, which may attach the appropriateweight plates 104 to the handle 102. In some embodiments, the externalcomputing device may communicate the exercise weight to the adjustabledumbbell system 100 when the handle 102 is determined to be in thecradle 106. In some embodiments, the external computing device maycommunicate the exercise weight to the adjustable dumbbell system 100when the handle 102 is not connected to the cradle 106. The adjustabledumbbell system 100 may then set the dumbbell to the exercise weightwhen the handle 102 is attached to the cradle 106.

In some embodiments, an exercise program may include a sequential listof exercises to be performed in order. In some embodiments, theexercises may include different exercise weights. When performing theexercise program, the adjustable dumbbell system 100 may set thedumbbell to the first exercise weight by connecting the weight plates104 to the handle 102 to set the dumbbell to the exercise weight. Insome embodiments, when the handle 102 is removed from the cradle, theadjustable dumbbell system 100 and/or the external computing device maydetermine that the first exercise is being performed. When the handle102 is returned to the cradle 106, the adjustable dumbbell system 100and/or the external computing device may advance to the next exercise bysetting the adjustable dumbbell system 100 to the next exercise weight.

In some embodiments, the external computing device may communicate theentire exercise program to the adjustable dumbbell system 100, and theadjustable dumbbell system 100 may execute the exercise program. In someembodiments, the external computing device may be in communication withthe adjustable dumbbell system 100, and the external computing devicemay provide instructions to the adjustable dumbbell system 100 for eachexercise in the exercise program.

In some embodiments, the weight selection input 112 may include anyother type of user input. For example, the weight selection input 112may include voice-activated controls. For example, the weight selectioninput 112 may include a microphone and voice recognition software. Thevoice recognition software may be optimized to receive specific,weight-related commands. For example, in some embodiments, a user maysay “set the dumbbell to 20 pounds.” The weight selection input 112 mayreceive the words through the microphone and process the words using thevoice recognition software. The weight selection input 112 may then setthe dumbbell to the appropriate weight, in this example, 20 pounds. Insome embodiments, the input words may include any amount of weight. Insome embodiments, the input words may include “set the dumbbell to themaximum weight,” and the adjustable dumbbell system 100 may connect allof the weight plates 104 to the handle 102. In some embodiments, theinput words may include any words that the voice recognition softwaremay identify as a set weight.

As discussed above, each weight plate 104 may be secured to the cradle106 individually before the handle 102 is removed from the cradle 106.Thus, each latch of the plurality of latches 110 is individuallyactuated. In this manner, the unselected weight plates 104-2 may besecured to the cradle 106 even if the selected weight plates 104-1 bumpand jostle the unselected weight plates 104-2 while being removed.

FIG. 2 is a representation of an adjustable dumbbell system 200,according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In theembodiment shown, the cradle includes a plurality of first latches 210-1and a second latch 210-2. The plurality of first latches 210-1 mayindividually actuate to secure one or more of the weight plates 204 tothe cradle 206. The second latch 210-2 may actuate to secure all of theweight plates 204 to the cradle 206. This may allow a user to input intothe weight selection input 212 the selected weight, and remove thehandle 202 and the selected weights. When done using the adjustabledumbbell system 200, the user may input a weight of 0, or indicate alocking input, and the second latch 210-2 engages with each weight plate204 to secure all of the weight plates 204 to the cradle. This mayincrease the stability and/or security of the adjustable dumbbell system200 while not in use or during transport. Furthermore, this may help toprevent some or all of the adjustable dumbbell system 200 from becominga safety hazard.

FIG. 3 is a representation of an embodiment of a cradle 306, accordingto at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The cradle 306includes a plurality of weight plate receptacles 314. Each weight platereceptacle is configured to receive a weight plate (e.g., weight plate104 of FIG. 1-1). The weight plate receptacle shown is an indentation inthe cradle 306, which aligns and helps to orient the weight plates withrespect to the cradle 306. A latch (collectively 310) is shown in or atthe edge of each weight plate receptacle 314. The latch 310 isconfigured to secure a weight plate to the cradle 306 in the weightplate receptacle 314.

In the embodiment shown, a first plurality of latches 310-1 is locatedon a first side of the weight plate receptacles 314, and a secondplurality of latches 310-2 is located on a second side of the weightplate receptacles 314. Including latches 310 on either side of theweight plate receptacles 314 may allow for a simplified retentionmechanism, or allow for the retention mechanisms to have increasedcontrol over which weight plates are selected and unselected.

FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of a weight plate 404 and a retentionmechanism 416, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The weight plate 404 includes a handle space 418 in a topsurface 420 into which a handle (e.g., the handle 102 of FIG. 1-1) maybe inserted. The weight plate 404 further includes a notch 408 in alateral face (collectively 422). In the embodiment shown, the weightplate 404 includes a notch 408 in both a first lateral face 422-1 and asecond lateral face 422-2.

The notch 408 includes a notch engagement angle 424, which is the anglemeasured clockwise between a notch engagement surface 426 and the secondlateral face 422. In some embodiments, the notch engagement angle 424may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper andlower values including any of 45°, 60°, 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°,105°, 120°, 135°, or any value therebetween. For example, the notchengagement angle 424 may be greater than 45°. In another example, thenotch engagement angle 424 may be less than 135°. In yet other examples,the notch engagement angle 424 may be any value in a range between 45°and 135°. A notch engagement angle 424 that is close to 90° may providethe greatest force to secure the weight plate to the cradle. In someembodiments, a notch engagement angle 424 of less than 135° may becritical to provide sufficient force to secure the weight plate to thecradle.

A latch 410 includes a protrusion 428 that extends into the notch 408.In the embodiment shown, the protrusion 428 has a triangularcross-sectional shape. The protrusion 428 has a latch engagement surface430 that engages with the notch engagement surface 426. In theembodiment shown, the notch engagement surface 430 has the same shape asthe latch engagement surface. In this manner, the bearing surfacebetween the latch engagement surface 430 and the notch engagementsurface 426 is maximized. Because protrusion 428 is inserted into thenotch 408, the protrusion 428 contacts the notch at the notch engagementsurface 426 when a removal force is applied to the weight plate 404. Theinterference between the notch 408 and the protrusion 428 secures theweight plate 404 to the cradle.

The protrusion includes a latch engagement angle 432, which is the anglemeasured clockwise between the latch engagement surface 430 and a line433 parallel to the first lateral face 422-1. In some embodiments, thelatch engagement angle 432 may be in a range having an upper value, alower value, or upper and lower values including any of 45°, 60°, 75°,80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 120°, 135°, or any value therebetween.For example, the latch engagement angle 432 may be greater than 45°. Inanother example, the latch engagement angle 432 may be less than 135°.In yet other examples, the latch engagement angle 432 may be any valuein a range between 45° and 135°. A latch engagement angle 432 that isclose to 90° may provide the greatest force to secure the weight plateto the cradle. In some embodiments, a latch engagement angle 432 ofbetween 75° and 105° may be critical to provide sufficient force tosecure the weight plate to the cradle.

In some embodiments, the latch engagement angle 432 and the notchengagement angle 424 are supplementary. In other words, the latchengagement angle 432 and the notch engagement angle 424 add up to 180°.Supplementary latch engagement angles 432 and notch engagement angles424 may increase the bearing surface between the latch engagementsurface and the notch engagement surface. This may increase the forcewith which the weight plate is secured to the cradle. In someembodiments, the latch engagement angle 432 and the notch engagementangle 424 are not supplementary, and may add up to an angle that isgreater than or less than 180°.

The latch 410 includes a latch arm 434 that extends from the protrusion428. In the embodiment shown, the latch arm 434 rotates about a pivot436. The retention mechanism 416 includes a latch cam shaft 438including a lobe 439. As the latch cam shaft 438 rotates, the lobe 439pushes on a lower portion 440 of the latch arm 434. When the lobe 439pushes on the lower portion 440, the latch arm 434 rotates about thepivot 436, and an upper portion 442 of the latch arm 434 rotates(counterclockwise in the view shown) toward the notch 408. This mayinsert the protrusion 428 into the notch 408. As the latch cam shaft 438rotates further, the lob rotates away from the lower portion 440, and aresilient member (not shown) may urge the arm latch 434 to rotate(clockwise in the view shown) about the pivot 436. This may cause theupper portion 442 and the protrusion 428 move away from the notch 408,thereby un-securing the weight plate 404 from the cradle, and allowingthe weight plate 404 to be removed.

FIG. 5-1 is a top-down representation of an adjustable dumbbell system500, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Inthe embodiment shown, the adjustable dumbbell system 500 includes afirst dumbbell 501-1 and a second dumbbell 501-2. To change the weightof the first dumbbell 501-1 and the second dumbbell 501-2, theadjustable dumbbell system 500 includes a plate adjustment mechanism544. The plate adjustment mechanism 544 includes a plate cam shaft gear545 connected to a plate cam shaft (not shown). A plate primary gear 546rotates the plate cam shaft gear, which rotates the plate cam shaft toselectively select weight plates (collectively 504) to connect to thehandle (collectively 502-1). The plate primary gear 546 is connected toa primary shaft 547.

A retention mechanism 516 includes a latch cam gear 548 connected to alatch cam shaft (not shown). A latch primary gear 549 rotates the latchcam gear 548, which rotates the latch cam shaft to selectively insert alatch 510 into a notch (not shown) of a weight plate 504. The latchprimary gear 549 is driven by the primary shaft 547. In this manner, theplate adjustment mechanism 544 and the retention mechanism 516 aremechanically connected. In other words, the plate adjustment mechanism544 and the retention mechanism 516 are connected through a gearedconnection. For example, as the primary shaft 547 rotates, the plate camshaft may be oriented to select one or more weight plates 504 to connectto the handle 502. The latch cam shaft may be oriented to simultaneouslylatch the unselected weight plates 504 to the cradle 506. A user mayselect the desired weight of the first dumbbell 501-1 and the seconddumbbell 501-2 with the weight selection input 512, and the primaryshaft 547 may be rotated until the desired weight is attached to thehandles 502.

FIG. 5-2 is a perspective view of the retention mechanism 516 of FIG.5-1. A primary shaft 547 includes a plate primary gear and a latchprimary gear 549. The latch primary gear 549 rotates a latch cam gear548 which rotates a latch cam shaft 538. Lobes 539 on the latch camshaft 538 may then engage a latch to secure a weight plate to the acradle.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustable dumbbell 600,according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Theadjustable dumbbell 600 includes a handle 602 and a weight plate hanger650. The weight plate hanger 650 includes two weight plate connectors652 that are configured to attach a weight plate 604 to the weight platehanger 650. The weight plate connectors 652 may be inserted into weightplate supports 654 to attach the weight plate 604 to the weight platehanger 650. A plate protrusion 656 may protrude from the cradle 606. Inan upper position (i.e., the position shown), the plate protrusion 656may pull the weight plate connecters 652 out of the weight platesupports 654, thereby detaching the weight plate 604 from the weightplate hanger 650.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustable dumbbell 700,according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In theembodiment shown, a latch protrusion 768 protrudes from a weight platereceptacle 714 in a cradle 706. The latch protrusion 768 extends into aweight plate cavity 770 in the bottom surface 772 of a weight plate 704.The latch protrusion 768 includes two latch members 774 at a top end 771of the latch protrusion 768. The latch members 774 are configured to beinserted into a notch 708 in the weight plate cavity 770. In an upperposition of the latch protrusion 768, a cavity member 773 in the weightplate cavity 770 may push the latch members 774 into the notch 708 inthe weight plate cavity 770, thereby securing the weight plate 704 tothe cradle 706. In a lower position, the latch members 774 may not beremoved from the notch 708, and the weight plate 704 may not be securedto the cradle 706.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a retention mechanism 816, accordingto at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodimentshown, a latch protrusion 868 extends upward from a cradle receptacle ina cradle. A weight plate 804 includes a notch 808 in a base surface 875of the weight plate 804. The latch protrusion 868 may move laterally(e.g. perpendicular to the base surface 875). In the engaged positionshown, the latch protrusion 868 is inserted into the notch 808, therebysecuring the weight plate 804 to the cradle.

A plate protrusion 856 may extend into a weight plate cavity 870 toselectively connect the weight plate 804 to a handle (as described inreference to FIG. 6). The plate protrusion 856 and the latch protrusion868 may both be moved by the same combined cam shaft 876. This maysimplify an adjustable dumbbell system by only using a single cam shaft.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustable dumbbell assembly 900,according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In theembodiment shown, the weight plate 904 includes a weight plate cavity970. A weight plate latch 978 may extend out of the weight plate cavity970 and through the body of the weight plate 904. The cradle 906includes a weight plate receptacle 914. A cradle protrusion 980 mayprotrude from the weight plate receptacle 914. In the upper positionshown, the cradle protrusion may push the weight plate latch 978laterally such that an outer end 982 of the weight plate latch 978extends past the lateral face 922. The outer end 982 of the weight platelatch 978 may extend into a cradle notch 984. In this manner, the weightplate 904 may be secured to the cradle 906.

FIG. 10 is a representation of a method 1086 for securing an adjustabledumbbell, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The method 1086 includes placing a dumbbell handle in acradle at 1088. The dumbbell handle may be selectively connected to oneor more selected weight plates of a plurality of weight plates at 1090.One or more unselected weight plates may be secured to the cradle basedon which weight plates are selected to be attached to the dumbbellhandle at 1092. Securing the unselected weight plate to the cradle mayinclude inserting a latch on the cradle into a notch in the unselectedweight plate.

FIG. 11-1 is a perspective view of an adjustable dumbbell assembly 1100,according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. A cradle1106 supports a plurality of weight plates 1104 and a handle 1102. Thehandle 1102 includes a plate adjustment mechanism that selectivelyconnects the weight plates 1104 to the handle 1102. The plate adjustmentmechanism is driven by a motor underneath the cradle 1106.

FIG. 11-2 is another perspective view of the adjustable dumbbellassembly 1100 of FIG. 11-1. A motor 1193 underneath the cradle 1106 maycontrol the plate adjustment mechanism. The motor 1193 rotates a firstgear shaft (not shown) and a second gear shaft 1194-2. The first gearshaft and the second gear shaft 1194-2 are connected by a plate gearbelt 1195. Thus, the first gear shaft and the second gear shaft 1194-2may rotate at the same speed.

FIG. 11-3 is a top-down view of the cradle 1106 of FIG. 11-1, includinga plate adjustment mechanism 1144, according to at least one embodimentof the present disclosure. The plate adjustment mechanism includes afirst gear shaft 1194-1 and a second gear shaft 1194-2. The first gearshaft 1194-1 and the second gear shaft 1194-2 are driven by the motor1193 shown in FIG. 11-2. A first pinion gear 1196-1 is connected to thefirst gear shaft 1194-1 and a second pinion gear 1196-2 is connected tothe second gear shaft 1194-2. The first pinion gear 1196-1 drives afirst rack gear 1197-1 on a first plate extension bar 1198-1 and thesecond pinion gear 1196-2 drives a second rack gear 1197-2 on a secondplate extension bar 1198-2.

The first plate extension bar 1198-1 and the second plate extension bar1198-2 are extended into a series of voids in the weight plates 1104shown in FIG. 11-1. The length of the extension of the first plateextension bar 1198-1 and the second plate extension bar 1198-2determines the number of weight plates 1104 that are connected to thehandle 1102. In this manner, by rotating the first gear shaft 1194-1 andthe second gear shaft 1194-2, the weight plates 1104 may be selected.

FIG. 11-4 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable dumbbell assembly1100 of FIG. 11-1, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The adjustable dumbbell assembly 1100 includes a plateadjustment mechanism 1144 located in the handle 1102 and a retentionmechanism 1116 in the cradle 1106. The plate adjustment mechanism 1144and the retention mechanism 1116 are driven by the same mechanism.Specifically, the first gear shaft 1194-1 drives the first plateextension bar 1198-1 and the first retention extension bar 1199-1, andthe second plate gear shaft 1194-2 drives the second plate extension bar1198-2 and the second retention extension bar 1199-2. Thus, the plateadjustment mechanism 1144 may be mechanically coupled with the retentionmechanism 1116. In other words, as the plate adjustment mechanism 1144connects weight plates 1104 to the handle 1102, the retention mechanism1116 may secure one or more of the unselected weight plates 1104 to thecradle 1106 in conjunction with the same operation of the motor 1193.

The cradle 1106 includes a retention mechanism slot 1103. As the firstgear shaft 1194-1 rotates, a first retention pinion gear (not shown) onthe first gear shaft 1194-1 may engage with a first retention rack gearon the first retention extension bar 1199-1. This may cause the firstretention extension bar 1199-1 to extend into the retention mechanismslot 1103, where it may engage one or more latches. The one or morelatches may engage one or more of the unselected weight plates 1104,thereby securing them to the cradle. Similarly, as the second gear shaft1194-2 rotates, a second retention pinion gear 1105-2 on the second gearshaft 1194-2 may engage with a second retention rack gear on the secondretention extension bar 1199-2. This may cause the second retentionextension bar 1199-2 to extend into the retention mechanism slot 1103,where it may engage one or more latches. The one or more latches mayengage one or more of the unselected weight plates 1104, therebysecuring them to the cradle.

In some embodiments, each of the weight plates 1104 may be connected toeach other with an interlocking connection 1107. For example, in theembodiment shown, the interlocking connection may allow the weightplates 1104 to be separated from each other using an upward force, butmay prevent separation from each other using a downward or alongitudinal force (e.g., parallel to the handle 1102). In someembodiments, the interlocking connection 1107 may be a dovetailconnection. In some embodiments, the interlocking connection 1107 may beany type of interlocking connection.

The interlocking connection 1107 may help to keep all of the unselectedweight plates 1104 oriented in the same orientation. In this manner, thehandle 1102 and the selected weight plates 1104 may be removed from thecradle 1106, and all of the unselected weight plates 1104 may remainupright in the cradle 1106. This may allow the handle 1102 and theselected weight plates 1102 to be easily re-inserted into the cradle1106 without having to align the unselected weight plates in the cradle1106.

In some embodiments, the retention mechanism 1116 may include aretention protrusion 1109 at either end of the cradle 1106. Theretention protrusions 1109 may extend into an end weight plate 1111. Theend weight plate 1111 may be connected to the other weight plates 1104with the interlocking connection 1107. Thus, when the handle 1102 isremoved, the end weight plate 1111 may remain secured to the cradle1106, and the remaining unselected weight plates 1104 may remainoriented relative to the end weight plate 1111 via the interlockingconnection 1107. Thus, the end weight plates 1111 may be the only weightplate secured to the cradle 1106, and the remaining weight plates 1104may remain upright based on the interlocking connection 1107 to the endweight plate 1111.

In some embodiments, the retention protrusions 1109 may be rigidlyattached to the cradle 1106. For example, the retention protrusions 1109may have a height and/or position relative to the cradle 1106 that doesnot change based on an actuation of the plate adjustment mechanism 1144.In some embodiments, the retention protrusions 1109 may be actuated. Forexample, the retention protrusions 1109 may have an adjustable height,and may only extend into the end weight plate 1111 when the retentionmechanism 1116 activates the retention protrusion 1109. In otherexamples, the end weight plate 1111 may be secured to the cradle 1106using a latch on the lateral face of the end weight plate 1111, or anyother mechanism described herein.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of an adjustable dumbbell controlsystem 1223, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The adjustable dumbbell control system 1223 may be used tocontrol the any of the adjustable dumbbells and associated hardwarediscussed herein. For example, the adjustable dumbbell control system1223 may be used to control the adjustable dumbbell system 100 of FIG.1, the adjustable dumbbell system 200 of FIG. 2, the cradle 306 of FIG.3, the retention mechanism 416 of FIG. 4, the adjustable dumbbell system500 of FIG. 5-1 and FIG. 5-2, the adjustable dumbbell 600 of FIG. 6, theadjustable dumbbell 700 of FIG. 7, the retention mechanism of 816 ofFIG. 8, the adjustable dumbbell assembly 900 of FIG. 9, the adjustabledumbbell assembly 1100 of FIG. 11-1 through FIG. 11-4, and combinationsthereof. The adjustable dumbbell control system 1223 may be used toexecute the method 1086 of FIG. 10.

The adjustable dumbbell control system 1223 includes an adjustabledumbbell system 1200. The adjustable dumbbell system 1200 may include aweight controller 1213. The weight controller 1213 may be configured toattach weight plates to a handle based on a set weight. The weightcontroller 1213 may receive the set weight from the weight selectioninput 1215. A user may input a set weight into the weight selectioninput 1215, and, based on the set weight set entered into the weightselection input, the weight controller 1213 may attach an appropriatenumber of plates to the handle to set the adjustable dumbbell to the setweight. In this manner, by using the weight selection input 1215, theuser may have an increased control over his or her workouts. This mayimprove the exercise experience.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the weightcontroller 1213 may connect weight plates to the handle using anystructure, mechanism, actuator, or other device discussed herein. Forexample, the weight controller 1213 may activate one or more latches tosecure the selected weight plates to the handle. In some examples, theweight controller 1213 may activate one or more latches to secureunselected weight plates to the cradle. In some embodiments, based onthe set weight, the weight controller 1213 may identify a combination ofweight plates to attach to the handle. the weight controller 1213 maythen connect the identified combination of weight plates to the handleusing any mechanism discussed herein. In some embodiments, the weightcontroller 1213 may connect unselected or identified weight plates tothe cradle to reduce the risk of loss or injury from a loose weightplate.

In some embodiments, the weight selection input 1215 may receive the setweight using any type of input. For example, the user may enter the setweight into the weight selection input 1215 with a verbal command. Forexample, the user may verbalize a command, such as “set the weight to 15pounds.” A microphone on a voice recognition input 1217 may receive theverbal command, and voice recognition software may process the verbalcommand to determine the set weight. After processing the verbalcommand, the voice recognition input 1217 may communicate the set weightto the weight controller 1213.

In some embodiments, the weight selection input 1215 may receive the setweight from a remote computing device 1219. The remote computing device1219 may transmit the set weight to a communication device at the weightselection input 1215, which may then send the set weight to the weightcontroller 1213. The weight controller 1213 may then attach theappropriate weight plates to the handle to arrive at the set weight.

In some embodiments, the weight selection input 1215 may receive the setweight from one or more buttons 1221 on a cradle or otherwise connectedto the adjustable dumbbell system 1200. The buttons 1221 may includespecific set weights, specific weight plates to connect to the handle,weight increments, activities associated with set weights, any otherbutton input, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell system 1200 may furtherinclude a display 1225. The display 1225 may include exerciseinformation associated with the adjustable dumbbell. For example, thedisplay 1225 may provide the user with information regarding the setweight, the weight plates attached to the handle, an exercise to beperformed, a previous and/or pending exercise, set weights to associatedwith one or more exercises, an exercise timer, a rest timer, a calorieburn value, any other exercise information, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the display 1225 may include one or more elementsof the weight selection input 1215. For example, the display 1225 mayinclude one or more buttons 1221. In some embodiments, the display 1225may be a touch-sensitive display, and the buttons 1221 may be adesignated portion of the touch-sensitive display. In some embodiments,the display 1225 may provide instructions to the user to provide verbalcommands to the adjustable display system 1200. In some embodiments, thedisplay 1225 may provide information received from the remote computingdevice 1217.

FIG. 13 is a representation of a method 1327 for securing an adjustabledumbbell, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The method 1327 may be performed by the adjustable dumbbellcontrol system 1223 of FIG. 12.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the method1327 may include receiving a set weight from a weight selection input at1329. For example, the weight selection input may include a voicerecognition input, and the set weight may be input using a verbalcommand from a user. In some examples, the set weight may be input usinga button, may be received from a remote computing device, or may beinput using any other input mechanism.

Based on the received/inputted set weight, one or more weight plates maybe selectively connected to a handle to set the adjustable dumbbell tothe set weight at 1331. In some embodiments, a weight controller mayidentify which weight plates to connect to the handle to reach the setweight, and may provide instructions to the adjustment mechanism toconnect the weight plates to the handle. Any unselected weight platesmay be connected to the cradle at 1335. An unselected weight plate maybe a weight plate that is not connected to the handle. In someembodiments, the weight controller may identify the unselected weightplates.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Adjustable dumbbells allow a user to exercise using a selected weightwithin a weight range, while reducing the need for individual dumbbellsof a series of weights within the same weight range. Adjustabledumbbells include a handle or other support bar which may then have oneor more weight plates selectively connected to the support bar. Toincrease the weight of the adjustable dumbbell, the user simply connectsor attaches additional weight plates to the handle until the desiredweight is reached. In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may be ahand weight. For example, the handle may be sized such that a spacingbetween two sets of weight plates is wide enough for a single hand. Insome embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may be a long bar, such as abar used for squats, bench press, and so forth. The long bar may have awidth between sets of weight plates sufficient for widely spaced hands(e.g., greater than shoulder length apart). In some embodiments, theadjustable dumbbell may be a weight for a weight machine. In someembodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may have a single set of weightplates, such as for a kettle ball.

In some embodiments, an adjustable dumbbell may include a plateadjustment mechanism that connects selected weight plates to theadjustable dumbbell until the desired weight is reached. Regardless ofhow the selected weight plates are connected to the handle, a user maynot always have all the weight plates simultaneously connected to thehandle. Therefore, when the user removes the handle from the cradle, oneor more unselected weight plates may remain behind in the cradle. Theseunselected weight plates may become dislodged from the cradle. In atleast one embodiment, an unselected weight plate that is dislodged fromthe cradle may become a safety hazard, and may be dropped on a user,left on the floor to be tripped over, or present another safety hazard.Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the unselected weight platethat is dislodged from the cradle may become misplaced. For example, theunselected weight plate may be stolen, lost, put away in the wrongplate, or otherwise misplaced.

To prevent the unselected weight plates from becoming dislodged from thecradle, the cradle may include a retention mechanism. The retentionmechanism may secure the unselected weight plates to the cradle whileallowing the selected weight plates to be removed from the cradle whileattached to the handle. In this manner, the unselected weight plates maynot become dislodged, and therefore may not be a safety hazard ormisplaced. Securing the unselected weight plates to the cradle mayfurther improve the exercise experience for the user by removing theneed for the user to consciously keep track of the unselected weightplates.

The plate adjustment mechanism may be located anywhere in an adjustabledumbbell system. In some embodiments, the plate adjustment mechanism maybe located in the handle of the adjustable dumbbell. A dial or gear onan outer edge of the adjustable dumbbell may rotate a shaft through thehandle that includes a plurality of plate adjustment cams. The plateadjustment cams may selectively insert a pin into a notch in weightplate, thereby selecting the weight plate to be attached or connected tothe handle.

In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may be placed in a cradle,and the plate adjustment mechanism may be located in the cradle. Theplate adjustment mechanism may include a protrusion in the cradle thatextends into a cavity in a weight plate. The protrusion may have anadjustable height. In an upper position, the protrusion may push a latchon a support member connected to the handle inward, away from a notch inthe cavity of the weight plate. This will decouple the weight plate fromthe handle. In a lower position, the protrusion may not contact thelatch, and the latch may be urged into the notch in the cavity of theweight plate by a resilient member.

The cradle may include a retention mechanism including one or morelatches. Each latch may be located on the cradle and selectivelyinserted into a notch on a weight plate. By inserting the latch into thenotch, the retention mechanism may secure an unselected weight plate tothe cradle. In some embodiments, each weight plate may be associatedwith a latch. The retention mechanism may selectively secure the latchto an associated weight plate while the adjustable dumbbell is placed inthe cradle. In this manner, unselected weight plates may be secured tothe cradle before the adjustable dumbbell with the selected weightplates attached to the handle is removed from the cradle. In at leastone embodiment, securing the unselected weight plates to the cradlebefore the adjustable dumbbell is removed may help the unselected weightplates from becoming dislodged from the cradle when the adjustabledumbbell is removed. For example, the unselected weight plates may besecured to the cradle despite bumping, jostling, or friction forces onthe unselected weight plates by the handle and/or the selected weightplates during removal of the handle and selected weight plates.

In some embodiments, an adjustable dumbbell may include multiple weightplates on two ends of a handle. In this manner, a user may grip thehandle and move the weights while holding the handle. In someembodiments, an equal weight may be attached to the handle on eitherend. In some embodiments, an unequal weight may be attached to thehandle. In other words, a first end of the handle may have more weightsecured to it than a second end of the handle. This may occur becausemore weight plates are attached to the first end of the handle. In someembodiments, the retention mechanism may secure more unselected weightplates to the second end of the cradle than the first end of the cradleto match the unbalanced adjustable dumbbell.

In some embodiments, the retention mechanism may include a single latchthat secures multiple weight plates to the cradle. For example, thesingle latch may include a bar that extends an entirety of the length ofthe adjustable dumbbell. In some examples, the single latch may securesome, but not all, of the weight plates to the cradle. In someembodiments, the single latch may secure two, three, four, five, six, ormore weight plates to the cradle. In some embodiments, a singleadjustable dumbbell may include both individual latches for each weightplate and a long, bar latch that may secure multiple weight plates tothe cradle. This may increase the stability of the connection betweenthe weight plates and the cradle, and may prevent misplacement of theweight plates and prevent the weight plates from becoming safetyhazards.

In some embodiments, the weight plates are shaped like a plate. Theplate has a length, a width, and a depth. In some embodiments, thelength and the width may be approximately the same, such as with asquare, a circle, or other equilateral polygon. In some embodiments, thelength and the width may be different, such as with a rectangle, anellipse, or other polygonal or non-polygonal structure. The length andwidth may be larger than the depth of the weight plate. Thus, the weightplate may represent a plate, a disc, or other planar structure. Thedepth may be the smallest dimension between any two faces of the weightplate.

The weight plates may include two base faces and at least one outer facethat runs along an outer circumference of the weight plate. In someembodiments, the depth may be the smallest measurement between two edgesof the outer face. The base faces may have any cross-sectional shape,including circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular,pentagonal, hexagonal, polygonal of any side, non-polygonal, or othercross-sectional shape. The outer face may include one or more faces,depending on the number of edges of the cross-sectional shape. Forexample, the outer face may include an upper face, a base face oppositethe upper face, and first and second lateral faces transverse to theupper face and the base face, the first lateral face being opposite thesecond lateral face.

Each weight plate includes a notch. The notch may be located at anylocation on the weight plate. In some embodiments, the notch may belocated on a first base face or a second base face. In some embodiments,the notch may be located on the outer face, such as on the first lateralface, the second lateral face, both the first lateral face and thesecond lateral face, the top face, the cradle face, and combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, the notch is an indentation, cavity, orvoid in the face of the weight plate. In some embodiments, the notch maybe located inside a cavity in the weight plate.

The notch may have any number of edges, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ormore sides. The edges of the notch may have any shape, including acurved edge, a straight edge, or a combination of curved and straightedges. Thus, the notch may have any shape, including hemispherical,cylindrical, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, orany other shape.

In some embodiments, the latch of the retention mechanism includes aprotrusion that extends into the notch. In some embodiments, theprotrusion may be triangular, pyramidal, hemispherical, cylindrical,conical, or any other shape that may be inserted into the notch.

In some embodiments, a latch engagement surface of the latch has acomplementary shape to a notch engagement surface of the notch. Forexample, the latch engagement surface may be flat and at a latchengagement angle. The notch engagement surface may similarly be flat andhave a notch engagement angle. When activated, the notch may engage thenotch at the notch engagement surface, and a majority or all of thelatch engagement surface may be in contact with a majority or all of thenotch engagement surface. This may increase the bearing area, which mayhelp to increase the resistance to dislodging and/or removal of theunselected weight plates.

In some embodiments, the latch engagement angle, as measuredcounterclockwise relative to the lateral face, may be in a range havingan upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including anyof 45°, 60°, 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 120°, 135°, or anyvalue therebetween. For example, the latch engagement angle may begreater than 45°. In another example, the latch engagement angle may beless than 135°. In yet other examples, the latch engagement angle may beany value in a range between 45° and 135°. A latch engagement angle thatis close to 90° may provide the greatest force to secure the weightplate to the cradle. In some embodiments, a latch engagement angle ofgreater than 45° may be critical to provide sufficient force to securethe weight plate to the cradle.

In some embodiments, the notch engagement angle, as measuredcounterclockwise relative to the lateral face, may be in a range havingan upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including anyof 45°, 60°, 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 120°, 135°, or anyvalue therebetween. For example, the notch engagement angle may begreater than 45°. In another example, the notch engagement angle may beless than 135°. In yet other examples, the notch engagement angle may beany value in a range between 45° and 135°. A notch engagement angle thatis close to 90° may provide the greatest force to secure the weightplate to the cradle. In some embodiments, a notch engagement angle ofless than 135° may be critical to provide sufficient force to secure theweight plate to the cradle.

In some embodiments, the latch engagement angle and the notch engagementangle are supplementary. In other words, the latch engagement angle andthe notch engagement angle add up to 180°. Supplementary latchengagement angles and notch engagement angles may increase the bearingsurface between the latch engagement surface and the notch engagementsurface. This may increase the force with which the weight plate issecured to the cradle. In some embodiments, the latch engagement angleand the notch engagement angle are not supplementary, and may add up toan angle that is greater than or less than 180°.

In some embodiments, the latch has a complementary cross-sectional shapewith the notch. Thus, when actuated, the latch may be inserted into thenotch and provide resistance to removal of the unselected weight platefrom the cradle. In some embodiments, the latch has a non-complementarycross-sectional shape with the notch.

In some embodiments, the latch may be located to a side of theadjustable dumbbell. In this manner, the latch may be configured connectto a notch that is on a lateral face or the top face of the weightplates. In some embodiments, a latch to the side of the adjustabledumbbell may engage the top face directly, and not a notch in the topface, to secure the weight plate to the cradle. This may allow theretention system to secure the weight plate to the cradle. Furthermore,retention system to the side of the adjustable dumbbell may allow theuser to visibly verify that the latch is engaged with the weight plate.

In some embodiments, the latch may be located underneath the adjustabledumbbell. In this manner, the latch may be configured to be insertedinto a cavity in the cradle surface of the weight plate and engage anotch located in the cavity. This may allow the weight plate to besecured to the cradle, and may prevent a user from tampering with theretention mechanism.

In some embodiments, the retention mechanism in the cradle may exert aforce on the latch, thereby inserting the latch into and out of thenotch. For example, the retention mechanism may include a retention camshaft including a plurality of lobes. The lobes may be spacedlongitudinally along the retention shaft and aligned with a latch arm onthe latch. As a lobe pushes on the latch arm, the protrusion on thelatch may be moved relative to the notch. Each latch may include aresilient member that urges the latch opposite the direction the lobepushes on the latch arm (e.g., toward or away from the notch). Theresilient member may include a coil spring, a torsion spring, a wavespring, a resilient foam, an elastically deformable material, any otherresilient member, and combinations of the foregoing.

In some embodiments, when the lobe on the retention cam shaft pushes onthe latch arm, the protrusion may be moved into the notch. In someembodiments, when the lobe on the retention cam shaft pushes on thelatch arm, the protrusion may be moved away from the notch. In someembodiments, the latch arm may include a pivot. When the lobe on theretention cam shaft pushes on the latch arm, the latch arm may rotatearound a pivot. Thus, when the retention cam shaft is on the dumbbellside of the latch, when the lobe pushes on the latch arm, the protrusionmay be moved into the notch. When the retention cam shaft is oppositethe dumbbell across the latch, when the lobe pushes on the latch arm,the protrusion may be moved away from the notch.

In some embodiments, the latch may translate (e.g., not rotate, movelaterally toward/away from) with respect to the weight plate. Thus, whenthe retention cam shaft is on the dumbbell side of the latch, when thelobe pushes on the latch, the protrusion may be moved away from thenotch. When the retention cam shaft is opposite the dumbbell across thelatch, when the lobe pushes on the latch, the protrusion is moved towardthe notch.

In some embodiments, the latch may be located underneath the cradlesurface of the weight plate. When the adjustable dumbbell is placed onthe cradle, the latch may protrude into a cavity in the cradle surfaceof the weight plate. The latch may include two rotating latch members.In a latch upper position, a cavity member in the cavity may push therotating latch members into a notch in the cavity, thereby securing theweight plate to the cradle. In a latch lower position, the rotatinglatch members may not contact the cavity member, and the rotating latchmembers will not be inserted into the notch, thereby allowing the weightplate to be removed from the cradle. In some embodiments, a retentioncam shaft may be located underneath the latch. A lobe on the retentioncam shaft may push the latch into the upper position.

In some embodiments, the weight plate may include a base face notch inthe notch of a base face. The latch may extend upward into a cavity inthe weight plate. The latch may move laterally (e.g., perpendicularlytoward and away from the base face notch) until the latch is engagedwith the base face notch. In this manner, the latch may movehorizontally to secure the weight plate to the cradle.

In some embodiments, a retention mechanism may move the latch toward oraway from the notch, and may include any retention mechanism, includinga cam shaft, a solenoid, a linear motor, a piezoelectric material, otherlinear motion devices, and combinations of the foregoing. In someembodiments, the retention mechanism may include lobes located on thecam shaft selectively and individually engage or actuate the latches. Insome embodiments, the cam shaft may actuate a single latch at a time. Insome embodiments, the cam shaft may actuate more than one latch at atime. In some embodiments, the cam shaft may actuate all the latches atonce. In some embodiments, the cam shaft may include multiple lobes onthe same circumference, which may actuate a latch at differentrotational positions. In this manner, the cam shaft may actuatedifferent combinations of latches depending on the combination ofselected and unselected weight plates. In some embodiments, a pluralityof latches may use the same cam shaft. In some embodiments, all thelatches may use the same cam shaft. In some embodiments, multiple camshafts may actuate multiple latches. In some embodiments, each latch maybe located on the same side of the weight plates. In some embodiments,at least one latch may be located on a first side of the weight plates,and at least one latch may be located on a second side of the weightplates.

In some embodiments, as discussed above, the weight plates may beselected and attached to the handle using a plate protrusion extendingfrom a plate receptacle into a cavity in the weight plate. Furthermore,as discussed above, the latch may protrude from the plate receptacle.Thus, each weight plate may have two protrusions extending into theweight plate. In some embodiments, the plate protrusion and the latchmay extend into the same cavity in the weight plate. In someembodiments, the plate protrusion and the latch may extend intodifferent cavities in the weight plate. In some embodiments, the plateprotrusion and the latch may be actuated by the same retentionmechanism. For example, the plate protrusion and the latch may beactuated using the same cam shaft, with the lobes on the cam shaft beingconfigured to actuate both the plate protrusion and the latch. In someembodiments, the plate protrusion and the latch may be actuated bydifferent retention mechanisms. For example, the plate protrusion may beactuated by a plate cam shaft and the latch may be actuated by a latchcam shaft.

In some embodiments, the weight plate may include plate latch, and thecradle may include a cradle notch. A protrusion may extend up from aplate receptacle and into a cavity in the weight plate. In an upperposition, the protrusion may push one or more plate latches laterallyoutward. The one or more plate latches may extend into the cradle notch.Thus, when the adjustable dumbbell is removed, the unselected weightplate may be secured to the cradle with the plate latch inserted intothe cradle notch. In some embodiments, a retention mechanism may belocated underneath the latch and move the latch between the upper andlower position. In some embodiments, the weight plate may include both aplate latch and a notch, and the cradle may include a latch and a cradlenotch. This may provide additional strength to the contact between theweight plate and the cradle, thereby providing additional protectionfrom dislodging the weight plate from the cradle.

In some embodiments, each latch of the plurality of latches may have anassociated retention mechanism. This may allow for many differentcombinations of engaged latches, and therefore many differentcombinations of weight plates that are secured to the cradle. This mayincrease the versatility of the adjustable dumbbell, which may improvethe user experience. In some embodiments, multiple latches may use thesame retention mechanism. This may simplify the cradle assembly, whichmay improve reliability and decrease manufacturing costs.

In some embodiments, the plate adjustment mechanism may be mechanicallyconnected to the retention mechanism. In this manner, as the selectedweight plates are connected to the handle or the bar support, theunselected weight plates may be automatically secured to the cradle. Forexample, an adjustable dumbbell may include at least two weight plates.A user may select a desired weight for the adjustable dumbbell with aweight selection input on the cradle, the dumbbell, the handle, or otherlocation. The user may cause the plate adjustment mechanism to select afirst weight and connect it to the handle. Using the plate adjustmentmechanism may mechanically activate the retention mechanism, which maysecure the unselected weight plate to the cradle. In at least oneembodiment, mechanically connecting the plate adjustment mechanism tothe retention mechanism may simplify the use of the adjustable dumbbellby allowing the user to focus on selecting and using the desired weightplates, without worrying about securing the unselected weight plates orworrying about safety hazards from unselected weight plates.

In some embodiments, the plate adjustment mechanism may include acombined cam shaft to connect weight plates to the handle, and retentionmechanism use the same combined cam shaft to engage the latches in thenotches of the weight plates, thereby securing the weight plates to thehandle. In some embodiments, the plate adjustment mechanism may includea plate cam shaft in the handle of the adjustable dumbbell. The platecam shaft may be rotated by a plate gear on a primary shaft. A latch camshaft may selectively engage the latches with the weight plates. Thelatch cam shaft may be rotated by a latch gear. In some embodiments, thelatch gear may be on the same primary shaft as the plate gear. In someembodiments, the latch gear may be located on a secondary shaft that isconnected to the primary shaft with a geared connection. Furthermore,this may help to prevent mistakenly securing unselected weight plates tothe cradle. Still further, this may help to prevent mistakenly failingto secure an unselected weight plate, which may then become misplaced orbecome a safety hazard.

In some embodiments, the cradle may include weight plate receptacles, aplate adjustment mechanism, and a retention mechanism sufficient tooperate single adjustable dumbbell. In some embodiments, the cradle mayinclude weight plate receptacles, plate adjustment mechanisms, andretention mechanisms sufficient to operate single adjustable dumbbell.In some embodiments, plate adjustment mechanism and the retentionsmechanism for multiple adjustable dumbbells may be operated by the samedriving force, such as a primary shaft. This may simplify the dumbbelladjustment process for the user. Furthermore, this may help to preventmistakenly securing unselected weight plates to the cradle. Stillfurther, this may help to prevent mistakenly failing to secure anunselected weight plate, which may then become misplaced or become asafety hazard.

In some embodiments, a method for securing an adjustable dumbbellincludes placing a dumbbell handle in a cradle. The dumbbell handle maybe selectively connected to one or more selected weight plates of aplurality of weight plates. One or more unselected weight plates may besecured to the cradle based on which weight plates are selected to beattached to the dumbbell handle. Securing the unselected weight plate tothe cradle may include inserting a latch on the cradle into a notch inthe unselected weight plate. Securing the unselected weight plates tothe cradle may further include inserting a protrusion into a cavity inthe unselected weight plate, the protrusion including a latch thatconnects to a notch in the cavity.

The method may further include selecting the selected weight plate andidentifying the unselected weight plate as any weight plate of theplurality of weight plates that is not the selected weight plate. Inother words, the total number of weight plates may be divided intoselected weight plates connected or attached to the dumbbell handle, andunselected weight plates secured to the cradle.

In some embodiments, an adjustable dumbbell may include a rack andpinion plate adjustment mechanism. A motor may be located in the cradleand a shaft may extend through the cradle and connect to a gear housing.The gear housing may include a pinion gear. The handle may be hollow andinclude an extension arm. A rack gear (e.g., a linear gear) may belocated inside the hollow handle. The rack gear may be connected to thepinion gear. As the pinion gear rotates, the rack gear may extend theextension arm. Each weight plate may include a void through which theextension arm may extend. The length of extension of the extension armmay determine the number of selected weight plates, and therefore thetotal weight, of the adjustable dumbbell. The motor may also beconnected to a retention mechanism including a rack and pinion gear inthe cradle, which may extend a latch arm. The latch arm may causelatches to engage/disengage with notches on the weight platescorresponding to the selected and unselected weight plates. Thus, theplate adjustment mechanism and the retention mechanism may be connectedthrough a geared connection.

In some embodiments, a cradle supports a plurality of weight plates anda handle. The handle includes a plate adjustment mechanism thatselectively connects the weight plates to the handle. The plateadjustment mechanism is driven by a motor underneath the cradle.

A motor underneath the cradle may control the plate adjustmentmechanism. The motor rotates a first gear shaft and a second gear shaft.The first gear shaft and the second gear shaft are connected by a plategear belt. Thus, the first gear shaft and the second gear shaft mayrotate at the same speed.

The plate adjustment mechanism includes a first gear shaft and a secondgear shaft. The first gear shaft and the second gear shaft are driven bythe motor. A first pinion gear is connected to the first gear shaft anda second pinion gear is connected to the second gear shaft. The firstpinion gear drives a first rack gear on a first plate extension bar andthe second pinion gear drives a second rack gear on a second plateextension bar.

The first plate extension bar and the second plate extension bar areextended into a series of voids in the weight plates. The length of theextension of the first plate extension bar and the second plateextension bar determines the number of weight plates that are connectedto the handle. In this manner, by rotating the first gear shaft and thesecond gear shaft, the weight plates may be selected.

The adjustable dumbbell assembly includes a plate adjustment mechanismlocated in the handle and a retention mechanism in the cradle. The plateadjustment mechanism and the retention mechanism are driven by the samemechanism. Specifically, the first gear shaft drives the first plateextension bar and the first retention extension bar, and the secondplate gear shaft drives the second plate extension bar and the secondretention extension bar. Thus, the plate adjustment mechanism may bemechanically coupled with the retention mechanism. In other words, asthe plate adjustment mechanism connects weight plates to the handle, theretention mechanism may secure one or more of the unselected weightplates to the cradle in conjunction with the same operation of themotor.

The cradle includes a retention mechanism slot. As the first gear shaftrotates, a first retention pinion gear (not shown) on the first gearshaft may engage with a first retention rack gear on the first retentionextension bar. This may cause the first retention extension bar toextend into the retention mechanism slot, where it may engage one ormore latches. The one or more latches may engage one or more of theunselected weight plates, thereby securing them to the cradle.Similarly, as the second gear shaft rotates, a second retention piniongear on the second gear shaft may engage with a second retention rackgear on the second retention extension bar. This may cause the secondretention extension bar to extend into the retention mechanism slot,where it may engage one or more latches. The one or more latches mayengage one or more of the unselected weight plates, thereby securingthem to the cradle.

In some embodiments, each of the weight plates may be connected to eachother with an interlocking connection. For example, in the embodimentshown, the interlocking connection may allow the weight plates to beseparated from each other using an upward force, but may preventseparation from each other using a downward or a longitudinal force(e.g., parallel to the handle). In some embodiments, the interlockingconnection may be a dovetail connection. In some embodiments, theinterlocking connection may be any type of interlocking connection.

The interlocking connection may help to keep all of the unselectedweight plates oriented in the same orientation. In this manner, thehandle and the selected weight plates may be removed from the cradle,and all of the unselected weight plates may remain upright in thecradle. This may allow the handle and the selected weight plates to beeasily re-inserted into the cradle without having to align theunselected weight plates in the cradle.

In some embodiments, the retention mechanism may include a retentionprotrusion at either end of the cradle. The retention protrusions mayextend into an end weight plate. The end weight plate may be connectedto the other weight plates with the interlocking connection. Thus, whenthe handle is removed, the end weight plate may remain secured to thecradle, and the remaining unselected weight plates may remain orientedrelative to the end weight plate via the interlocking connection. Thus,the end weight plates may be the only weight plate secured to thecradle, and the remaining weight plates may remain upright based on theinterlocking connection to the end weight plate.

In some embodiments, the retention protrusions may be rigidly attachedto the cradle. For example, the retention protrusions may have a heightand/or position relative to the cradle that does not change based on anactuation of the plate adjustment mechanism. In some embodiments, theretention protrusions may be actuated. For example, the retentionprotrusions may have an adjustable height, and may only extend into theend weight plate when the retention mechanism activates the retentionprotrusion. In other examples, the end weight plate may be secured tothe cradle using a latch on the lateral face of the end weight plate, orany other mechanism described herein.

Below are sections of the current disclosure:

-   A1. A system for securing an adjustable dumbbell, comprising:    -   a handle;    -   a plate adjustment mechanism configured to selectively connect a        selected weight plate of a plurality of weight plates to the        handle, each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates        including an engagement surface;    -   a cradle configured to receive the plurality of weight plates,        the cradle including a latch; and    -   a retention mechanism configured to selectively engage the latch        with the engagement surface of an unselected weight plate of the        plurality of weight plates, wherein the plate adjustment        mechanism is mechanically connected to the retention mechanism.-   A2. The system of section A1, wherein the plate adjustment mechanism    is located in the cradle.-   A3. The system of section A1 or section A2, wherein the retention    mechanism inserts a protrusion on the latch into a notch having the    engagement surface.-   A4. The system of any of section A1 through A3, wherein the plate    adjustment mechanism is connected to the retention mechanism with a    geared connection.-   A5. The system of section A4, wherein the plate adjustment mechanism    includes a plate cam shaft and the retention mechanism includes a    latch cam shaft, and wherein the plate cam shaft and the latch cam    shaft are driven by a primary shaft.-   A6. The system of any of sections A1 through A5, wherein the    retention mechanism includes a motor configured to move the latch in    and out of engagement with the engagement surface.-   A7. The system of section A6, wherein the motor is controlled by an    exercise program.-   A8. The system of section A6 or A7, wherein an exercise controller    actuates the retention mechanism based on user input.-   A9. The system of section A8, wherein the user input is received at    a computing device.-   A10. The system of section A9, wherein the user input includes a    voice command received by a voice recognition module.-   A11. The system of section A9 or A10, wherein the user input    includes an input in one or more buttons.-   A12. The system of any of sections A7 through A11, wherein the    exercise program is received or controlled by a remote computing    device.-   A13. The system of any of sections A7 through A12, wherein a    selected weight is displayed on the display.-   A14. The system of any of sections A1 through A13, wherein the    retention mechanism includes a plurality of latches configured to be    selectively inserted into the engagement surface.-   A15. The system of section A14, wherein the cradle includes a    plurality of weight plate receptacle, and each weight plate    receptacle includes a latch of the plurality of latches.-   A16. The system of section A15, further comprising a plurality of    protrusions extending from the weight plate receptacles, and wherein    each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates includes a    cavity, a protrusion from the plurality of protrusions extending    into the cavity.-   A17. The system of section A16, wherein each protrusion of the    plurality of protrusions includes a latch of the plurality of    latches, and wherein the cavity includes the notch.-   A18. The system of any of sections A14 through section A17, wherein    the notch is located on an outer face of each weight plate of the    plurality of weight plates.-   A19. The system of section A18, wherein the notch is located on a    lateral face of each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates.-   A20. The system of section A19, wherein the notch is a first notch,    and each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates includes a    second notch.-   A21. The system of section A20, wherein each weight plate of the    plurality of weight plates is secured to the cradle with a first    latch of the plurality of latches inserted into the first notch and    a second latch of the plurality of latches inserted into the second    notch.-   A22. The system of any of sections A19 through A21, wherein a single    latch is inserted into the notch of two weight plates of the    plurality of weight plates.-   A23. The system of section A22, wherein the single latch includes a    bar that extends along a length of the handle.-   A24. The system of any of sections A18 through A23, wherein the    notch is located on a top face of at least one weight plate of the    plurality of weight plates.-   B1. A system for securing an adjustable dumbbell, comprising:    -   a handle;    -   a plurality of weight plates removably connected to the handle,        each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates including a        notch; and    -   a cradle including:        -   a plurality of weight plate receptacles configured to            receive each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates;            and        -   a plurality of latches configured to be selectively inserted            into the notch located on each weight plate of the plurality            of weight plates, wherein the plurality of latches are            individually actuated.-   B2. The system of section B1, wherein each weight plate receptacle    includes a latch of the plurality of latches.-   B3. The system of section B2, further comprising a plurality of    protrusions extending from the weight plate receptacles, and wherein    each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates includes a    cavity, a protrusion from the plurality of protrusions extending    into the cavity.-   B4. The system of section B3, wherein each protrusion of the    plurality of protrusions includes a latch of the plurality of    latches, and wherein the cavity includes the notch.-   B5. The system of any of sections B1 through section B4, wherein the    notch is located on an outer face of each weight plate of the    plurality of weight plates.-   B6. The system of section B5, wherein the notch is located on a    lateral face of each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates.-   B7. The system of section B6, wherein the notch is a first notch,    and each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates includes a    second notch.-   B8. The system of section B7, wherein each weight plate of the    plurality of weight plates is secured to the cradle with a first    latch of the plurality of latches inserted into the first notch and    a second latch of the plurality of latches inserted into the second    notch.-   B9. The system of any of sections B6 through B8, wherein a single    latch is inserted into the notch of two weight plates of the    plurality of weight plates.-   B10. The system of section B9, wherein the single latch includes a    bar that extends along a length of the handle.-   B11. The system of any of sections B5 through B10, wherein the notch    is located on a top face of at least one weight plate of the    plurality of weight plates.-   B12. The system of any of sections B1 through B11, wherein the    cradle includes a motor configured to move the plurality of latches    in and out of engagement with the notch on the plurality of weight    plates.-   B13. The system of section B12, wherein the motor is controlled by    an exercise program.-   B14. The system of section B12 or B13, wherein an exercise    controller actuates the retention mechanism based on user input.-   B15. The system of section B14, wherein the user input is received    at a computing device.-   B16. The system of section B15, wherein the user input includes a    voice command received by a voice recognition module.-   B17. The system of section B15 or B16, wherein the user input    includes an input in one or more buttons.-   B18. The system of any of sections B13 through B17, wherein the    exercise program is received or controlled by a remote computing    device.-   B19. The system of any of sections B13 through B18, wherein a    selected weight is displayed on the display.-   B20. The system of any of sections B13 through B19, wherein the    retention mechanism includes a plurality of latches configured to be    selectively inserted into the engagement surface.-   C1. A method for securing an adjustable dumbbell, comprising:    -   placing a dumbbell handle in a cradle;    -   selectively connecting the dumbbell handle to a selected weight        plate of a plurality of weight plates; and    -   securing an unselected weight plate of the plurality of weight        plates to the cradle based on the selected weight plate        connected to the dumbbell handle.-   C2. The method of section C1, further comprising:    -   selecting the selected weight plate; and    -   identifying the unselected weight plate as any weight plate of        the plurality of weight plates that is not the selected weight        plate.-   C3. The method of section C1 or section C2, wherein securing the    unselected weight plate includes inserting a latch into a notch in    the unselected weight plate.-   C4. The method of any of sections C1 through C3, wherein securing    the unselected weight plate includes inserting a weight plate latch    on the weight plate into a cradle notch on the cradle.-   C5. The system of any of sections C1 through C4, wherein selectively    connecting the dumbbell handle to the selected weight plate includes    actuating a retention mechanism with a motor.-   C6. The system of section C5, further comprising controlling the    motor with an exercise program.-   C7. The system of section C5 or C6, further comprising actuating the    retention mechanism based on user input.-   C8. The system of section C7, further comprising receiving the user    input at a computing device.-   C9. The system of section C8, wherein the user input includes a    voice command received by a voice recognition module.-   C10. The system of section C8 or C9, wherein the user input includes    an input in one or more buttons.-   C11. The system of any of sections C8 through C10, wherein the    exercise program is received or controlled by a remote computing    device.-   C12. The system of any of sections C6 through C11, wherein a    selected weight is displayed on the display.-   C13. The system of any of sections C6 through C12, wherein the    retention mechanism includes a plurality of latches configured to be    selectively inserted into the engagement surface.

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are describedherein. These described embodiments are examples of the presentlydisclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concisedescription of these embodiments, not all features of an actualembodiment may be described in the specification. It should beappreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation,as in any engineering or design project, numerous embodiment-specificdecisions will be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, suchas compliance with system-related and business-related constraints,which may vary from one embodiment to another. Moreover, it should beappreciated that such a development effort might be complex and timeconsuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design,fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having thebenefit of this disclosure.

The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there areone or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The terms“comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “oneembodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are notintended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additionalembodiments that also incorporate the recited features. For example, anyelement described in relation to an embodiment herein may be combinablewith any element of any other embodiment described herein. Numbers,percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended toinclude that value, and also other values that are “about” or“approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one ofordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the presentdisclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadlyenough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the statedvalue to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. Thestated values include at least the variation to be expected in asuitable manufacturing or production process, and may include valuesthat are within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a statedvalue.

A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of thepresent disclosure that equivalent constructions do not depart from thespirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes,substitutions, and alterations may be made to embodiments disclosedherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional“means-plus-function” clauses are intended to cover the structuresdescribed herein as performing the recited function, including bothstructural equivalents that operate in the same manner, and equivalentstructures that provide the same function. It is the express intentionof the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function or other functionalclaiming for any claim except for those in which the words ‘means for’appear together with an associated function. Each addition, deletion,and modification to the embodiments that falls within the meaning andscope of the claims is to be embraced by the claims.

The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used hereinrepresent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs adesired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms“approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to an amountthat is within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of a stated amount. Further, itshould be understood that any directions or reference frames in thepreceding description are merely relative directions or movements. Forexample, any references to “up” and “down” or “above” or “below” aremerely descriptive of the relative position or movement of the relatedelements.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodimentsare to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope ofthe disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims ratherthan by the foregoing description. Changes that come within the meaningand range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for securing an adjustable dumbbell,comprising: a handle; a plurality of weight plates selectivelyconnectable to the handle; a cradle configured to support the handle andthe plurality of weight plates, the cradle including a latch toselectively retain a weight plate of the plurality of weight plates inthe cradle; a weight selection input configured to receive a set weight;and a weight controller configured to selectively attach a combinationof weight plates to the handle such that a dumbbell weight matches theset weight.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the weight selection inputincludes a voice recognition input.
 3. The system of claim 1, whereinthe weight selection input includes one or more buttons.
 4. The systemof claim 1, wherein the weight selection input includes a communicationdevice configured to receive the set weight from a remote computingdevice.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a displayconfigured to display exercise information.
 6. The system of claim 5,wherein the display is a touch-sensitive display, and wherein the weightselection input includes one or more buttons on the touch-sensitivedisplay.
 7. A system for securing an adjustable dumbbell, comprising: ahandle; a plurality of weight plates removably connected to the handle,each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates including a notch;and a cradle including a plurality of latches configured to beselectively inserted into the notch located on each weight plate of theplurality of weight plates; a weight selection input; and a weightcontroller configured to activate one or more of the plurality oflatches based on a set weight from the weight selection input.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the weight selection input includes a voicerecognition input.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the weightselection input includes one or more buttons.
 10. The system of claim 7,wherein the weight selection input includes a communication deviceconfigured to receive the set weight from a remote computing device. 11.The system of claim 7, further comprising a display configured todisplay exercise information.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein thedisplay is a touch-sensitive display, and wherein the weight selectioninput includes one or more buttons on the touch-sensitive display. 13.The system of claim 7, wherein the latches are individually actuated.14. The system of claim 7, wherein the cradle includes a slot for eachweight plate of the plurality of weight plates.
 15. A method forsecuring an adjustable dumbbell, comprising: receiving a set weight froma weight selection input; based on the set weight, selectivelyconnecting one or more selected weight plates of a plurality of weightplates to a handle to set the adjustable dumbbell to the set weight; andsecuring an unselected weight plate of the plurality of weight plates toa cradle based on the selected weight plate connected to the handle. 16.The method of claim 15, wherein the weight selection input is a voicerecognition input, and wherein receiving the set weight from the weightselection input includes receiving a verbal command at the voicerecognition input.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein receiving the setweight includes receiving the set weight from a remote computing device.18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: selecting the selectedweight plate; and identifying the unselected weight plate as any weightplate of the plurality of weight plates that is not the selected weightplate.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein securing the unselectedweight plate includes inserting a latch into a notch in the unselectedweight plate.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein securing theunselected weight plate includes inserting a weight plate latch on theweight plate into a cradle notch on the cradle.